HeCares360 Responds with Compassion Amidst Guimaras Island Ordeal
by Arlene June Villanueva with Dana June Alcazar
Tragedy struck Iloilo-Guimaras Strait on August 3, 2019, when three motor bancas capsized due to strong monsoon winds, which was intensified by tropical depression “Hanna”. This claimed the lives of thirty-one passengers. Marina officials then called for the grounding of all motor bancas, the main transportation from Guimaras to Iloilo. This meant all of the 104 motorized boats, which do 20 trips a day, each will cease operation. This resulted in a predicament that not only affected commuters – workers, students, and businessmen, but as well as the entire Guimaras population since 70-80% of its needs are sourced from Iloilo. This time masses tried their chances everyday on only two RoRo and two fast craft vessels.
The daily scenario at the port was desperate, thousands were in queue. Pedicab drivers and bankeros with their families, both in Guimaras and Iloilo were struggling with no income. There was a crisis to address.
By the grace of God, GD saw the need to act. Our Visayas Team Leader, Pastor Noel Golez gathered the GD Visayas Team for brainstorming. After much prayer and encouragement from the GD family, a working plan set into four phases was arranged.
PHASE 1 : August 9, 2019- Free Rides from Buenavista Port to Jordan Port, Guimaras
RoRo was only available at the Jordan Port, which is an additional 14 km journey for passengers from Buenavista. With Calvary Baptist Church and Salvacion Baptist Church as partners, GD provided free rides. Two vehicles were able to do six to seven round trips. The free ride relieved the commuters from the additional expense of the extra trip.
PHASE 2 : August 12, 2019- Relief Operation for the Bangkeros at Iloilo Ferry Terminal, Parola
Grace Packs were given to some 60 bangkeros, and the Gospel was preached by Pastor Jhon Puig. Among those who listened were policemen and personnel from the Department of Social Welfare and Development. Students of Doane Baptist Seminary also ministered encouragement through the Hiligaynon version of “’Til the Storm Passes by.”
PHASE 3 : August 16, 2019 – Relief Operation for Pedicab drivers in Buenavista, Guimaras
Pedicab drivers from MacArthur Wharf in Buenavista were gathered by the HeCares360 Visayas Team at Grace Baptist Church. Nineteen Grace Packs were distributed, but most importantly, the Gospel was delivered through Pastor Keith Perrocha.
PHASE 4: August 21, 2019 – Relief Operation at Mansaya, Lapuz
A tornado struck the coastal barangay of Mansaya in Iloilo on the same day as the sea mishap, wherein 72 families’ homes were damaged. GD was able to provide Grace Packs to them with the help of volunteers from Doane Seminary. Rev. Vicente Gargantiel Jr. preached the Good News.
In total, more than 150 Grace packs were delivered and Jesus was preached as Savior! Also, we at GD acknowledge that any attempt to serve our community requires a team of willing hands and hearts, used by the Lord. We glorify the Lord for about 40 volunteers throughout this particular mission, individual donors, as well as churches, who contributed financially and in kind, and for all who upheld GraceDrive in powerful prayer.
We trust that the Lord will use what has been done to further His Kingdom and for His grace to be known to more and more, that His glory be known! The honor in all these is only the Lord’s!